Wes happy to sail through Paulton test with a goal and man-of-the-match performance

Mon 9 Nov 09

City playmaker Wes Hoolahan admitted that Paulton Rovers simply couldn't live with the Canaries after the weekend's 7-0 FA Cup thumping saw them safely through to round two.

The Irishman's man-of-the-match award, courtesy of ITV's Andy Townsend, was somewhat controversial, given that Chris Martin found the net four times.

But there was no doubt that Hoolahan was, at times, unplayable - especially in the second half with non-league limbs getting weary.

And after getting on the scoresheet as well – his seventh of the season and fourth in six outings – it was a good day all round for the former Blackpool man.

After a difficult start to the season, in which new boss Lambert cast him aside following his arrival in Norfolk, Hoolahan is now playing at the peak of his powers.

And the 27-year-old was clearly delighted, and relieved, to come away from north Somerset with City's reputation intact, It'll be Carlisle or Morecambe (a) next up.

"It was good because it was always going to be a difficult place to come. But we got a few goals at the end while they were getting tired," he said afterwards.

"The first half was quite tight but it opened up after the break and I think we passed the ball better, moved it quicker and they couldn't live with us.

"Chrissy [Martin] knocked in four in the last 20 minutes and it was great for him. He's got the match ball and he's delighted."

Despite the convincing scoreline, the first 10 minutes were a nervy time for everyone of a yellow and green persuasion.

The Zamaretto League side were pumping balls into the box and James Tyrell's shot almost creeped under Declan Rudd's bar.   Part 2 >>